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Simba SC Communication Officer Haji Manara has promised his counterparts from Yanga SC Antonio Nugaz and Hassan Bumbuli Tsh1 million each if the league champions fall to their sworn rivals on Sunday.

The two teams will play each other in the FA Cup semi-final at the National Stadium with the winner playing Namungo FC in the final. The outspoken official is confident Wekundu wa Msimbazi will eliminate the Jangwani based side from the competition.

"We are coming into this match knowing we have a target of winning a double this season," Manara told reporters on Saturday.

"We have depth in our team as compared to our opponents and it is the reason why we have been rotating the players. To win competitions you must have enough depth and it is our main advantage.

"If we lose against Yanga, I will give [their officials Antonio Nugaz and Hassan Bumbuli] TSh1 million each."

It will be the third meeting between the two giants this season with the first round fixture ending 2-2 while Yanga turned on the screw in the second-round contest to win 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Bernard Morrison.

However, the official insists Timu ya Wananchi won the last game by fluke and have no chance of achieving the fete.

"I understand they defeated us in our last meeting in the league, but as I have been saying, a fluke does not happen twice," Manara continued.

"I am confident we will win this game because we have really prepared for it. No doubt about it, we will defeat Yanga; actually we will get early goals, I am very optimistic and confident."

On Saturday, Namungo made it to the final with a slim 1-0 win against minnows Sahare All-Stars.

The two teams were meeting for the first time in the competition's history, but it was the top-flight side that came into the match as clear favourites.

All-Stars had sealed the semi-final berth after eliminating Ndanda FC in a shootout while Namungo defeated Alliance FC 2-0 on their way to the last four. On paper, it looked like an easy match for the league's fourth-placed side.

The first-half was a balanced affair with both teams playing cautiously to avoid conceding.

After putting up a brave fight for the better part of the game, a Sahare concentration lapse allowed the opponents to get what turned out to be the winning goal when Charles Manyama managed to beat the custodian and break the hearts of the fans of the second-tier side.

Despite putting up a spirited performance to get an equalizer, perhaps a lack of experience in top-flight football and poor finishing came back to haunt Sahare All-Stars.

Arsenal may be willing to part with Alexandre Lacazette in the next transfer window as the money generated from that sale would allow them to bring in a suitable replacement for Aaron Ramsey, says Ray Parlour.

The Gunners are seeing plenty of speculation generated as the summer market prepares to open its doors.

Comings and goings are being mooted in north London, with the most intense rumours surrounding two proven frontmen.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to see his future called into question as he stalls on the signing of a new contract.

Fellow frontman Lacazette is also generating exit talk, with Serie A giants Inter said to be keen on acquiring the France international.

Parlour cannot see Arsenal agreeing to part with two proven goalscorers, but believes one could be deemed disposable as Mikel Arteta needs to generate funds for another goalscoring midfielder.

"Well, I don't think they'll lose both," former Gunners midfielder Parlour told talkSPORT of the Lacazette and Aubameyang reports.

"It's a situation where I don't think you can afford to lose both.

"At the moment it's very positive, the talk from the club itself looks like Aubameyang could be signing a new contract which would be brilliant news for Arsenal, and that could mean Lacazette could be on his way.

"There's been lots of talk about him, Juventus has been mentioned for Lacazette with a player coming to Arsenal, I don't know what sort of player is going to come to Arsenal that way.

"But I think Aubameyang is so important, he's the one who scores you the goals.

"If you took him out of the Arsenal team now, who scores the goals?"

Parlour added on the need for the Gunners to find someone to fill the void created by Ramsey’s departure to Juventus in 2019: "I mentioned it last week, there's no goals from midfield, that's the big problem Arsenal have.

"[Bukayo] Saka scored a really good goal against Wolves, he was playing in the right position on that right-hand side, but that's where they've really got to address in this transfer window.

"They lost Ramsey to Juventus who is probably the only player who can score goals from midfield and they didn't really replace him with anyone.

"[Lucas] Torreira won't score you goals, [Matteo] Guendouzi won't score you goals, [Granit] Xhaka, [Dani] Ceballos doesn't score you enough goals, [Mesut] Ozil isn't even in the team.

"So that's where they've really got to look at in the summer.

"As much as they really need a good centre-half as well, I think an attacking midfielder. But they're hard to find and they cost a lot of money, the good ones.

"Whether Arsenal have got the money to spend, we'll have to wait and see. That's why they probably have to let Lacazette go and maybe get some money in to buy a midfielder."

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah had as many shots compared to the whole Burnley team in their 1-1 draw in Saturday’s Premier League game but failed to register on the scoresheet.

The Egypt international was afforded his 31st league appearance and made a spirited effort to add to his goal tally this season but was denied on several occasions as goalkeeper Nick Pope starred in the encounter.

Jurgen Klopp’s men raced into the lead through Andrew Robertson after he was set up by Fabinho before Jay Rodriguez levelled proceedings in the second half.

Salah struck six shots in the game and hit the target four times which is twice as many as the entire team of Burnley but failed to score.  

The draw ended the Reds’ 100 percent home Premier League record, having previously clinched victory in all their league games at Anfield.

The 28-year-old fleet-footed forward has racked up 23 goals across all competitions this season, including 19 in the English top-flight.

Salah has been in scintillating form since teaming up with Liverpool from Italian side AS Roma in the summer of 2017.

The forward has scored a total of 73 goals in only 105 league appearances since returning to England, having previously featured for Chelsea.

Salah has won the Premier League Golden Boot award twice, scooping it in his debut season after bagging 32 goals and won it in the last campaign along with his teammate Sadio Mane and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

His efforts helped the Reds to win the Champions League trophy last season and clinched the 2019-20 Premier League title after 30 years of wait.

Salah will hope to find the back of the net when Liverpool take on Arsenal in their next Premier League game on July 15.

King Faisal president Alhaji Karim Grunsah has disclosed his club's financial strategy has been largely centred around fixtures with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.

The west Africans' two biggest clubs, Hearts and Kotoko control the biggest fan base, a privilege which significantly boosts their matchday revenues.

For non-traditional and 'smaller' outfits like King Faisal, they have had to find smart strategies to bite into the fanbase of the 'big boys'.

“No one should ever run Kotoko at a loss," Grunsah told Kessben FM in relation to Kotoko's recent financial challenges and new management.

"I plan my season on Kotoko and Hearts of Oak fixtures because the money I always get from the two clubs after my home games are enough to do something tangible.

“I’m always amazed when I hear that people handle Kotoko and run into several losses. Kotoko is a big club in the entire African football club rankings and I will be a billionaire in three months if given Kotoko to run.

“[Kotoko life patron] Otumfuo [Osei-Tutu] has appointed board members who are very successful and rich to run the club for him.

"So in what sense should anyone be bankrupt running Kotoko?”

The 2019 African Sports Centre for Data, Research and Technology (ASC) Ghana Premier League Report released ahead of the commencement of last season saw Kotoko and Hearts garner a combined 68 per cent of fans who participated in the survey.

The Porcupine Warriors contributed 41% while the Phobians had 27% of respondents rooting for the club. Ashanti Gold, the third most successful club in the Premier League, with four titles, came third with 20%.

Faisal were not captured in the report as they were not admitted to the Premier League as at the time of the study.

Kotoko and Hearts' dominance goes beyond their fanbase as they stand as the most successful clubs in the history of the Premier League.

Four titles clear, the Porcupine Warriors have won the cup on 23 occasions while the Phobians stand second with 19 successes.

Faisal, city rivals of Kumasi-based Kotoko, are yet to win a major senior title. 

Bruno Fernandes sees himself as a “risk player”, with the Portuguese playmaker confident there is even more to come from him after enjoying an impressive start to life at Manchester United.

The Red Devils found themselves in the market for added creativity during the January transfer window.

Fernandes had been registering on their radar for some time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally making the decision to take the plunge.

A sizeable show of faith, and funds, has been richly rewarded with the 25-year-old’s performances so far.

Fernandes has quickly become a talisman for United in the heart of their midfield, contributing eight goals and seven assists to the collective cause while helping himself to two Premier League Player of the Month awards.

Few could have predicted that his impact would be so immediate, or so impressive.

United are, however, eager to see a man who has already become a firm fan favourite take his game to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

Fernandes believes he is capable of doing just that, but is eager to point out that not everything he tries is going to come off as he likes to play on the edge.

He told Sky Sports of the impression he has made in Manchester and the qualities he offers to Solskjaer’s side: “I feel proud from the team, because I think one player can change everything a lot.

“Of course I help the team. The team was good before because no team can be so good now and so bad in the past, you know. It’s not about this, it’s about confidence, it’s about results.

“We have such good qualities on the team, so for the position I play, having players in front who can score, who can get a lot of goals, is easier for me.

“I’m a risk player, I take risks. I want to take risks every time and I will take the risk every time.

“I will lose a lot of balls, I will misplace a lot of passes but I know when I find my strikers, my wingers, they will score.

“My quality becomes better and better, day after day, because they push me and I know in the moment I don’t play well or I’m not in the top of my condition, everyone else will play in my place.

“I need to be focused and every time be on top, also because we play for Manchester United - this club you need to be on top for all games.”

United and Fernandes will be back in action on Monday when their pursuit of a top-four finish continues in a home date with Southampton.

Real Zaragoza are one of the most historic clubs of Spanish football and they’re pushing for a return to the top division this season, doing so with James Igbekeme at the heart of their midfield. The 25-year-old Nigerian signed for Los Blanquillos in 2018 and recently renewed his contract to 2023. His desire is to play in La Liga Santander, Spain’s top division, over the next years of his contract and he recently discussed that ambition and much more with South African presenter Carol Tshabalala on Goal.com’s La Liga Inside… series.

Adapting to the style of Spanish football

Before moving to Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2018, Igbekeme already had an experience of European football given that he’d spent his entire senior career up to that point in Portugal. In 2017/18, the season before his move across the border, he was with Gil Vicente in the Portuguese second tier, but he nevertheless found the style of football quite different in Spain after arriving at Zaragoza.

“The football in Portugal was more physical,” he says. “When I came to Spain, I saw that they played technically. Because of my fitness level, I think I adapted quickly to the football of Spain. In Spain the ball moves more than you run, so you need to adapt to that mentally. That was difficult at first, but I was able to adapt.”

Having settled in and having already made over 50 appearances in La Liga SmartBank, the midfielder is thrilled to be playing in a league with such high technical quality. As he told Tshabalala: “For me it’s a dream come true to play in Spain. Football in Spain is the best. The quality, the technique… it is all so special. I’m very happy to be in Spain playing now.”

Dreams of La Liga Santander

Even though playing in La Liga SmartBank is already a dream come true for Igbekeme, he has set his sights on La Liga Santander with Real Zaragoza currently in the automatic promotion spots and targeting a return to the top tier. Historically, the club from Spain’s north-eastern region of Aragon have been close to an ever-present in the top division. In fact, only eight clubs have spent more seasons in Spain’s top tier than Real Zaragoza, with their 58 top-flight campaigns.

As such, there is serious determination at La Romareda, from the dressing room – which features the likes of former Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa – to the board room, to take the club back to the highest level of the Spanish footballing pyramid. As Igbekeme explained: “We have very good players in the team, and we have a good coach. The president is doing his best also. The players are all ambitious to take the club back to La Liga Santander.”

The coach he praised is Víctor Fernández, a club legend who was in charge back in 1995 when Real Zaragoza won the European Cup Winners' Cup and who has returned to lead the side to promotion. Igbekeme and the coach have very quickly developed a strong relationship. “It has been amazing working with Víctor Fernandez,” says Igbekeme. “Working with the previous coaches at the club was good too, but I have more playing time with Víctor Fernandez. We have trust between us. If possible, I want to play under him also if we reach the first division.”

Dealing with the coronavirus halt to the season

Real Zaragoza’s momentum was completely disrupted by the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently enforced pause. They remain in the automatic promotion spots, but their form has dipped since the restart in June.

“As time goes on, we are trying to get our rhythm back as it was before the lockdown,” he says. “I think things are going better now and, with the fitness level, we are catching up little by little.”

Igbekeme also reflected on the fact that matches are behind closed doors and explained that the players understand why such measures are necessary right now. “Playing without the fans is not a good feeling, but we just need to adapt to the situation,” he said. “This is the reality and there’s nothing we can do.”

The Nigerians of La Liga Santander

If Real Zaragoza does secure promotion over the final few weeks of the season, then Igbekeme would come across several other Nigerian players in Spain’s topflight. Currently, there are five players from Nigeria in La Liga Santander, namely Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal), Ramon Azeez (Granada), Oghenekaro Etebo (Getafe) and Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem (Leganes).

The 25-year-old revealed that the only one who he keeps in contact with regularly is Azeez, but that he is rooting for each of them whenever they take to the pitch. “I haven’t met them, but I do support them whenever they have their league games,” Igbekeme said of his fellow Spain-based Nigerians.

Igbekeme is confident that if he continues to impress for Zaragoza, and especially if the team reach the topflight, that he could finally receive a call-up to the Nigerian national team and be given the chance to represent the Super Eagles.

“It’s every young player’s dream to represent their country,” he says. “All I need is the chance. I think I will have a chance soon, but first I need to do my best in my team to make sure we go to La Liga Santander. There, there are a lot of people watching and you have the chance to be called up by the national team.”

Watch La Liga live every week on SuperSport

Lionel Messi became the first player in La Liga history to score 20 and assist 20 goals or more in the same season when he teed up Arturo Vidal for Barcelona’s opener against Real Valladolid on Saturday.

The Argentine superstar already had a career-high 19 La Liga assists to his name this season, but his slide-rule pass to set up Vidal ensured he wrote yet another page in the history books.

He is the first player to reach 20 assists in La Liga since former team-mate Xavi in 2008-09, with no player combining that feat with 20 or more goals in the Spanish top flight until now.

The 33-year-old is just the second player to achieve that feat in Europe’s top five leagues this century, after Thierry Henry scored 24 goals and contributed 20 assists for Arsenal during the 2002-03 Premier League season.

Messi currently stands on 22 goals at the top of the goalscoring charts, four clear of his nearest challenger Karim Benzema, highlighting his continued importance to the side despite his advancing years.

It is also yet another reminder to the club’s board of his immense talents, with speculation about his Barca future continuing to swirl around Camp Nou.

Earlier this month, a Cadena Ser report claimed Messi was ready to call time on his illustrious Barca career when his contract expires next summer. 

Goal has learned  Messi does not want to leave Barcelona but has grown increasingly concerned with the leadership of the club off the field as well as the team’s struggles for consistency on it, prompting him to bring contract talks to a halt.

If the six-time Ballon d’Or winner were to hold out on agreeing fresh terms until the turn of the year, then he would be free to discuss pre-contract arrangements with any suitors.

It has been suggested that the contract impasse could potentially precipitate a premature end to Josep Maria Bartomeu's presidency, with club elections set to take place in June 2021.

Bartomeu has insisted that Messi will end his career at the Catalan giants, while his rival presidential candidate Victor Font has also expressed his confidence that the forward will remain at the club.

Mikel Arteta intends to address Arsenal’s defensive issues, as he seeks to build on solid foundations, with there also a desire on the Spaniard’s part to implement a winning culture at Emirates Stadium.

Problems at the back have continued to hamper the Gunners’ efforts over recent years.

Big money has been spent trying to plug leaks, with the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz brought on board.

Arsenal have also invested in Germany international goalkeeper Bernd Leno and highly-rated Scottish full-back Kieran Tierney.

They remain a work in progress, with more funds likely to be required in future windows, but Arteta is eager to point out that his footballing philosophy is built around a watertight backline.

“Yes, absolutely,” he told Sky Sports.

“If you want to be successful and you want to win every three days, you have to be very consistent in all the defensive work that you do.

“The more clean sheets you get, the easier it is to win football matches.”

Arteta, who is filling the first managerial post of a promising coaching career, is also looking to get everyone at Arsenal pulling in the same direction.

He has offered cause for optimism through the early months of his reign, but wants belief to start surging through the club once more.

“I am a big believer that a culture that is implemented has a big reflection in what happens on the pitch and the success of a football club,” he added.

“If we are not all on the same page and things start to shift a little bit, we are going to have issues.

“We are trying to set very clear expectations of what we need, how our culture needs to be and live together in a better way.”

Certain players are considered to have fallen short of those standards of late, with Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi finding themselves left out of Premier League plans, but Arteta is reluctant to write anybody off

“It’s not about what I want to do, it is what is required at this football club and the standards we have,” he added.

“The minimum you need is that you want to be fighting with the top teams in England.”

Arsenal are still chasing European qualification and FA Cup glory this season, with their next challenge set to be a sizeable one as they prepare to take in a derby date with north London neighbours Tottenham.

Barcelona will keep Real Madrid waiting for the coronation that is surely coming their way after Arturo Vidal's strike secured a 1-0 win at Real Valladolid. 

The gap at the top of LaLiga is down to a single point, but Madrid can go four clear with two rounds of games remaining when they face Granada in their game in hand on Monday. 

Lionel Messi provided the killer pass that gave Vidal the chance to strike the 15th-minute goal that sank Valladolid, a 20th assist of the league season for the Argentinian. 

Had Barcelona failed to win Saturday's game at Estadio Jose Zorrilla, Madrid would have had the opportunity at Granada to clinch the title with two games to spare. Now it cannot come until Thursday at the earliest. 

Worryingly for Barcelona, they came into this game with just three wins from their last nine away games in LaLiga, but nerves were soon calmed by Vidal's fine finish. 

The Chilean midfielder received a lovely dink through from Messi and quickly got away a shot low across goal, his strike going in off the left post. 

Messi's assist made him the first player to reach the 20 mark in a single campaign in the Spanish top flight since Xavi in Barcelona's 2008-09 treble-winning year. 

Taking into account his 22 goals this term too, Messi can hardly be blamed for Barcelona missing out on the title. 

Antoine Griezmann, however, chosen ahead of Luis Suarez for this game, continues to flatter to deceive. 

He squandered an early half-chance before missing a sitter four minutes after Barcelona's breakthrough, getting his feet in a pitiable tangle when Nelson Semedo's skidding low cross from the right reached him eight yards from goal. 

Full-back Semedo had a thumping shot saved by Jordi Masip before Barcelona were thankful for Kike Perez stumbling after getting in behind their defence as the hosts sought an equaliser. 

Suarez unsurprisingly replaced Griezmann for the second half, with coach Quique Setien looking for more from a Messi sidekick than the Frenchman had been able to provide. 

Perez, Javi Sanchez and Enes Unal all had chances for Valladolid but could not make them count, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept busy, while Messi saw a free-kick tipped over by Masip, the king of the assists always a threat.

What does it mean? Madrid party on hold 

Barcelona are still in the title race - just. They need a royal Real stumble, but Zinedine Zidane's side have looked infallible since the league restarted so few expect that to happen. Barcelona are unbeaten since football returned in Spain, but three draws have cost them dearly. 

Valladolid are safe for another season in LaLiga, and they could count themselves unfortunate here, having plenty of chances but finding Ter Stegen on top of his game. 

Griezmann fluffs his lines again 

It is nine goals and four assists for Griezmann in his first season at Barcelona, and you would not count on him adding to that tally over the final two rounds. Here he was ponderous one moment, miskicking the next, and he must be feeling the frustration as much as anyone. Acquired amid much rancour, he has failed to deliver what Barca expected and perhaps owes them some Champions League heroics now. 

Terrific Ter Stegen 

If their goalkeeper had not been at his most alert, Barcelona could have shipped two or three goals in the second half of this contest. Ter Stegen got lucky at the end of the first half when Perez fell over when he looked set to score, but the German showed why he is so valued at Camp Nou with a string of late blocks. 

What's next? 

The end of the LaLiga season is nigh. These teams are both next in action on Thursday, in the penultimate round of games, with Barcelona at home to Osasuna and Valladolid travelling to Eibar. 

Gerson has no interest in leaving Flamengo despite reported interest from Premier League duo Chelsea and Tottenham.

After an unsuccessful stint at Roma, Fluminense youth product Gerson returned to Brazil after an €11.8million (£11m/$13m) deal was agreed with Flamengo in July 2019.

The 23-year-old has since won the Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil and the Recopa Sudamericana, while the Campeonato Carioca could be secured next week with Jorge Jesus' side taking on Fluminense in a two-legged final.

Gerson's displays have led to links to some of Europe's biggest clubs, but he insists he is happy at Flamengo.

"After a year with Flamengo, I can promise that I never spoke with another club. My focus is totally on Flamengo," he told Globo Esporte.

"I feel at home, I am happy, I am wanted and I am at a club that is on the level of European sides.

"We can't shut doors, football shows this, but today I am very happy and fulfilled to be in the club of my heart.

"I rediscovered myself here and I want to win yet more trophies in this shirt."

Goal reported last month that Tottenham have had regular contact with the entourage of Gerson, with the Premier League side prepared to offer £16m ($20m).

It is understood that the Brazilian club have no intention of selling one of their star men, however, and Gerson was happy to stay to continue his development under Jesus, who signed a one-year contract extension.

Jesus had asked last season's Brasileiro winners to retain the services of his key players, with the club looking to make a raft of sales in order to ease financial distress caused by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

As such, the board did not accept Spurs' £16m bid, and Gerson had no issues with that decision as he is keen to continue his good form under his current coach in a bid to receive a call-up from the Brazil national team.

It is perhaps of little surprise that the player is not scrambling to secure a move to Europe, having endured a nightmare spell at Roma after turning down the advances of Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal to fight for a place at Stadio Olimpico.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he “learned a lot” from his side’s performance in their 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Saturday, admitting they will need to change their approach for the remaining matches of the season if they are to secure a top-four finish.

Lampard’s side were completely outplayed by the in-form Blades, with two goals from David McGoldrick either side of Oli McBurnie’s header securing a third win in four matches that lifts the Yorkshire club into the top six.

Chelsea remain third despite the defeat, but know they could begin their next match against relegated Norwich on Tuesday in fifth if Leicester and Manchester United win their games in hand against Bournemouth and Southampton respectively.

It was Lampard’s heaviest league defeat as Blues manager since their 4-0 thrashing at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season, with the 11 league matches Chelsea have lost in total this season their most in a single campaign for four years.

The former England midfielder conceded his side were second-best all over the pitch at Bramall Lane but has pledged to move on quickly, with league games against Liverpool and Wolves to come after Tuesday's clash with the Canaries, as well as an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

"They were better than us, physically, in the mind and with the ball. So you lose the game," he told Sky Sports.

“They were stronger than us. You feel and hear every noise and all I could hear was Sheffield United voices. They are a good team. If you come here and perform below par this is what will happen.

"We matched them shape wise. We were too slow and weren't getting our wingers into the game. We tried to get control, which we did but weren't threatening. At 2-0 down you make it difficult for yourselves. 

"You analyse all season and review and move forward. We need to put that to bed quickly and fight for the top four. I learned a lot and I won't forget that."

When asked what damage the result had inflicted on Chelsea's top-four hopes, Lampard added: "I am not concerned about top four today. All I do is sit and watch the games and consider what we want to do. But today I am concerned with how we performed.

"We will see where we are when we approach Norwich. But we can't approach Norwich or Manchester United or Wolves like we did today."

When Project Restart became a reality, the major story was Liverpool's renewed title challenge, and when they would finally end 30 years of hurt to claim an unprecedented Premier League triumph.

Since the league title was sealed, observers have focused on other sub-plots in the division, from the battle for the Champions League spots to the feeble efforts of the teams trying to avoid relegation.

Perhaps the most interesting story has been the influence of three supreme young talents: Bukayo Saka, Mason Greenwood and Christian Pulisic since the restart, with their impact generating the kind of buzz at Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea respectively that has rarely been felt in recent years.

Saka, 18, has thrived amid a largely topsy-turvy campaign where the Gunners have had two permanent head coaches at the helm, either side of club icon Freddie Ljungberg being in charge in an interim capacity. He’s performed commendably despite a turbulent year where many of the top players, excluding club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have either been badly off-form or largely absent.

This has earned him a whole lot of goodwill, and based on Mikel Arteta’s reign so far, he'll be a vital component going forward.

Having come into the side as a winger whose inclination was to hug the touchline, there were probably a plethora of sighs when the teenager replaced Sead Kolasinac at left-back just before half-time against Manchester City in mid-December. Given the Gunners were already three goals behind, there was a feeling the academy graduate could be targetted because he was playing out of position.

It ended 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium that day, but Saka wasn’t disgraced. Rather, he acquainted himself admirably in an alien position, which proved prescient to what’s followed since.

Months later, before the lockdown and owing to injuries to the Bosnian and Kieran Tierney, new boss Arteta was harnessing his natural tendencies as a left winger in his system. He was deployed at left-back, on paper, but in possession, the precocious Saka often took up positions a winger would be stationed.

This allowed Aubameyang, mostly utilised on the left, take up narrow positions to play closer to the frontman, with his efficiency in front of goal remaining intact.

In the time leading up to Arsenal’s return post-lockdown, questions were asked about Saka and how his influence could be lessened given Kolasinac and Tierney were healthy again. However, this only brought out the brilliance of the multifaceted teenager, whose swift understanding of several positions is exemplary.

Since the restart, the 18-year-old’s tactical intelligence has come to the fore: he’s played as a right winger, left wing-back, and as a ‘free 8’ in a midfield three, mostly to acceptable-to-good results.

It was from the right wing he spectacularly opened his Arsenal account just before half-time against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, days after committing to the club on a long-term deal.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops hadn’t allowed a single goal in first-halves against West Ham United, Bournemouth and Aston Villa before the dynamic teenager ended their run of 177 minutes without conceding in first-halves, and 313 minutes in total.

The teenager was equally impressive against Leicester City in midweek, fooling an experienced head like Jonny Evans with quick footwork before setting up the club captain for his 20th league goal of the campaign. He’d have scored his second for the Gunners on the half-hour mark but was thwarted by Kasper Schmeichel, who saved expertly.

In truth, Saka may not necessarily nail down a permanent left-wing berth for the Gunners, as they must sign specialists in various positions, but his football brain makes him every manager’s dream player. Don’t forget he’s still only 18.

Over in Manchester, Greenwood has been one of the many positives for United since the restart, scoring four goals and setting up another in five matches since June. To get a clearer measure of how well the 18-year-old forward is performing, the fact all five goal contributions have come in the last three matches underline just how well he’s playing at the moment.

Many of those goals have been spectacular efforts, which in a sense explains why he’s outperforming his Expected Goals by far. According to Understat, the young Englishman’s xG of 2.99 means he’s outdoing his real tally of nine Prem goals considerably, and it’s no surprise it’s the largest disparity in the United side.

The immediate perception suggests his numbers are unsustainable, but there’s some context: given Greenwood’s two-footedness, which makes him even more unpredictable in possession, his proficiency at hitting the target from distance indicates he’ll score many low-percentage efforts.

While form, fitness and confidence will probably mean a mean reversion in future, the United youngster’s penchant for the unexpected demonstrates he could outperform his xG by a larger margin than usual for a while yet.

The focus pre-restart was on the Red Devils’ Fab Four – Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial – but maybe that ought to be renamed ‘Fab Five’ in the wake of Greenwood’s fine form. His magnificent assist for Bruno to complete a sweeping counter against Brighton & Hove Albion was a joy to behold. He not only scores belters but can pick out a final ball as well. The boy, certainly, can play.

And then there’s Chelsea’s Pulisic.

Despite being 21, three years older than the aforementioned pair, his showings since the restart have been extraordinary.

The American started the campaign slowly but began to show glimpses of his quality before the turn of the year. However, an injury in January meant he wasn’t seen in any capacity before football was halted.

There were eyebrows raised when Lampard opted for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who hadn’t played in over a year, from the off against Aston Villa at the ex-Borussia Dortmund wideman’s expense in the Blues’ restart. Pulisic was introduced for an understandably rusty RLC 10 minutes after half-time, sparking a seven-minute turnaround for 2-1. The American got the equalizer and has been undroppable since.

Indeed, he’s dovetailed spectacularly with Willian, who’s equally been brilliant since the resumption, with his ball-carrying ability, fleet-footedness and admirable composure in front of goal catching the eye. The skill and guile of the 21-year-old has been particularly menacing for defences, prompting two penalty wins against West Ham and Watford.

Unsurprisingly, his form post-lockdown has brought about comparisons with ex-Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard. While there are similarities between the pair, there are also differences: Pulisic is undeniably more direct in his dribbling and tends to shoot more, a major source of exasperation for supporters and head coaches throughout the Belgian’s time in West London.

With three goals and two penalties won in five games, the American is slowly becoming the team’s most-important attacker. Considering the incoming arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, Chelsea fans may not have automatically included the US wideman in their preferred XI for the 2020-21 campaign a month or two ago.

Ask now and the former Borussia Dortmund man would certainly be included, and why shouldn’t he be after a series of thrilling displays since June?

Just how high each one will develop remains to be seen, but Saka, alongside the hugely talented Greenwood and Pulisic, have birthed a level of excitement in their respective club’s fanbases that will hopefully reverberate for many years to come.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp does not think Roberto Firmino's lack of home league goals will become a serious issue for the Brazilian.

The forward has scored eight times in the Premier League this season, but all have come away from Anfield.

Firmino's only home goal this campaign was against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while his last Premier League strike on his own ground was against Tottenham in March 2019.

The 28-year-old's Anfield frustrations continued against Burnley on Saturday when his second-half effort hit the post.

However, he also created six chances for his team-mates and Klopp does not think the player will be unduly affected by his home drought.

"It cannot become a psychological problem for him because Bobby played an outstanding game today and we don't judge him, so I hope he won't read your newspaper if you make a story of it," said Klopp.

"We just don't think about it. It's not important who scores. We need Bobby for other things. We need Bobby in exactly the spaces where he was today. We need him as the link-up for all the other things.

"We only have chances because Bobby plays the way he plays, and he will score, there's absolutely no doubt about it. We are not worried at all about that, because he played an outstanding game today and was involved in so many decisive situations.

"Nobody scored apart from Robbo [Robertson] with a header, so it will not become a problem."

Klopp also revealed the reasons why he remonstrated with referee David Coote at the final whistle, saying he felt goalkeeper Alisson was not being given enough protection at set pieces.

The German marched on to the pitch to confront Coote at the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw, which ensured Liverpool's 24-game home winning run in the Premier League came to an end.

"I spoke [to the referee] about the goalkeeper situations," added Klopp.

"I feel like we've lost the game, we didn't, I know that, and maybe it's not the best time to talk about these things … but how can you let it happen? When a corner comes in, three players are allowed to block the goalie - that's just not how it should be.

"But for the ref it was not a foul or not a problem and that's why he didn't whistle in these situations. That's what I told him, but it had no influence on the result."

Andy Robertson headed the Reds in front during a dominant first half, but they were unable to add to their tally with Nick Pope in inspired form.

Jay Rodriguez fired a 69th-minute equaliser in for Burnley and they would have won it had Johan Gudmundsson not been denied by the crossbar late on.

The draw dented Liverpool's hopes of surpassing Manchester City's record haul of 100 points – they must now win their remaining three games to do so.

Raheem Sterling has surpassed Yaya Toure's goal record for Manchester City in the Premier League with his opener in Saturday's outing against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Sterling's 21st-minute strike at the Amex Stadium took his tally to 63 league goals for the Citizens, one ahead of Toure who scored 62 goals during his eight-year stay in Manchester.

The former Liverpool attacker has been in fine goalscoring form for Man City this season with 15 goals in 30 league appearances so far.

Argentina superstar Sergio Aguero stands as City's all-time top scorer in the English top-flight with 180 goals in 263 appearances followed by Sterling and Toure in the second and third spots respectively while David Silva trail in the fourth place with 59 league goals.

During his trophy-laden career at the Etihad Stadium, Toure scored 62 goals and provided 32 assists in 230 Premier League matches before his exit in 2018.

Apart from his individual feats, the four-time African Footballer of the Year had a successful spell in England by winning three top-flight titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup and the FA Community Shield.

Toure brought an end to his eight-year stint in Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of the 2017-18 season, and he moved on to Greek giants Olympiacos where he spent just three months before terminating his contract.

The 37-year-old most recently played in China League One where he helped Qingdao Huanghai win the second division title and gained promotion to the Chinese Super League for the 2020 season.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant Nicholas Musonye has stated why he is not the right person to judge Nick Mwendwa.

Musonye is among the contestants seeking to replace Mwendwa at the top of the FA and he says he can only woo delegates by what is in his manifesto and not by pointing out Mwnedwa’s perceived failures.

“I am seeking this [presidency] post so that we can help one another build football and move forward. When seeking an opportunity, you need not pick the failure of your opponent,” Musonye told Radio Jambo.

“I can only sell my manifesto and I am not going to say Mwendwa has erred or has done how many wrongs. Ask me what I am going to do instead.

“Mwendwa is a human being, has been working for the last four years and has his advantages as well as disadvantages. I am not going to speak about him and I will also not make a ruling that says he has done a good job of what percentage.

“That is the work of the delegates to assess what has been done by the current office. As a candidate, it would be wrong for me to speak about my opponent or rate his work for that is the function of those charged with electing officials.”

The veteran football administrator also acknowledged his manifesto may be similar to those of the opponents, the difference lies in how they are put into practice.

“It is not a must that I should be elected. I have just come out as a candidate, will sell my manifesto to the delegates and if they see it good then it is upon them to make the judgement,” he added.

“Delegates must read my manifesto, compare it with my opponent’s and see who is fit to be elected to lead.

“Manifestoes look the same but it all depends on how it is implemented.”

Musonye left Cecafa after serving for 19 years as the secretary-general.

The FKF elections have been cancelled the previous two times it was scheduled to take place.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal [FKF] stopped those efforts after stakeholders petitioned it, citing a biased electoral code and the expiry of the tenure of the FKF National Executive Committee as the reasons.

Chelsea have made “so many mistakes” at the back this season and need to cut them out in order to become serious Premier League title contenders, says Glen Johnson.

The Blues have made impressive progress under the guidance of Frank Lampard in 2019-20.

Few knew what to expect from the west London outfit when they were stung with a two-window transfer embargo and forced into a managerial change when Maurizio Sarri headed for the exits.

Club legend Lampard quickly helped to steady the ship and, with considerable faith shown in youth, set about piecing together challenges for a top-four finish and major silverware.

Chelsea’s attacking prowess has carried them towards those targets, with the likes of Willian, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount starring for an exciting side.

There have still been issues in defence, with questions being asked of Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, and members of the back four in front of him.

Johnson feels those need to be addressed, either on the training field or in the transfer window, if Lampard’s side are to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in 2020-21.

The former Blues full-back told The Mirror: "We know what they can do going forward in terms of keeping the ball but you see some of the errors they’ve been making against West Ham and Crystal Palace, they’ve made so many mistakes, you do that against someone like Liverpool or City they’re just going to rip you apart.

"But obviously what’s good in their favour is they are scoring a lot of goals, and at the moment they can afford to make these mistakes because they’re outscoring people."

Chelsea have even more firepower coming into their ranks, with deals already wrapped up for Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.

The hope is that they will have a Champions League stage to grace next season, with Johnson expecting the Blues to secure a top-four spot.

"I think it will be Chelsea and United," added the ex-England international.

"It would have been a different answer if you’d asked me six weeks ago but I just think United the way they’ve found some form, they’re blowing teams away.

"They’re probably the hottest team right now and I know Leicester have got a couple of tough games, and they play United last game so it could boil down to that.

"But I think I’d go Chelsea third and United fourth."

Sahare All-Stars' exciting adventure in the FA Cup came to an abrupt end on Saturday after falling by a solitary goal to Tanzania Mainland League side Namungo FC.

The two teams were meeting for the first time in the competition's history, but it was the top-flight side that came into the match as clear favourites.

All-Stars had sealed the semi-final berth after eliminating Ndanda FC in a shootout while Namungo defeated Alliance FC 2-0 on their way to the last four. On paper, it looked like an easy match for the league's fourth-placed side.

The first-half was a balanced affair with both teams playing cautiously to avoid conceding.

After putting up a brave fight for the better part of the game, a Sahare concentration lapse allowed the opponents to get what turned out to be the winning goal when Charles Manyama managed to beat the custodian and break the hearts of the fans of the second-tier side.

Despite putting up a spirited performance to get an equalizer, perhaps a lack of experience in top-flight football and poor finishing came back to haunt Sahare All-Stars.

Namungo will have to wait for the second semi-final match on Sunday between Simba SC and Yanga SC to find out who their opponents will be.

It will be the third Kariakoo Derby in all competitions this season. The initial two were in the league.

Earlier on, the Tanzanian government confirmed only 30,000 tickets will be available for the derby to be played at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

"The Covid-19 is not completely eradicated in the country that is why we still need to take precautions hence 30,000 is a good number during this period," Government's Director of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports Yusuph Singo said as quoted by Daily News.

"Those who will not have tickets should just remain at their homes and watch the game via television since we will not allow people to congregate outside the venue and we will have enough security personnel to facilitate that."

The government also increased ticket prices for the fans keen to watch the derby with VIP A, B, and C tickets going for 30,000/-, 25,000/- and 20,000/-, respectively, while those who will occupy ordinary seats will pay 10,000/-.

"We hope the Covid-19 pandemic will end soon and after that then normal attendance will be allowed," Singo concluded.